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    ASUS Transformer Prime officially launched: Tegra 3 onboard, 10.1-inch Super IPS+ display, 12 hours of battery life

    Gadgets Team
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    4
    ASUS Transformer Prime officially launched: Tegra 3 onboard, 10.1-inch Super IPS+ display, 12 hours of battery life

     

    It’s been mercilessly teased, but it’s finally here. ASUS has made the Transformer Prime official, and with it, Tegra 3, NVIDIA’s latest superchip that’s set to blow everything away. So what can you expect with ASUS’ newest tablet? Well, for starters, you’ll be getting a gorgeous 10.1-inch LED backlit screen with Super IPS+ (1280 x 800) with 10 finger multi-touch topped by Corning Gorilla Glass, Android 3.2 Honeycomb (with an upgrade to ICS once it becomes available) and a tasteful metallic design that’s 8.3mm thin and weighs in at a scant 586 grams (without the dock). At those measurements, we reckon that it’s a tad slimmer than the iPad, and we’re assuming that your old Transformer keyboard docks won’t work with it.

    Additionally, the Transformer Prime will be able to keep on going and going, with ASUS quoting about 12 hours of battery with the tablet alone. With the dock fully charged, the Transformer Prime will be able to keep on rocking for 18 hours, which should satisfy even the staunchest workaholic. The Transformer Prime will also drop with 1 GB of memory, and its Super IPS+ panel is capable of delivering 600 nits of brightness. The Transformer Prime will also come with ASUS’ SonicMaster technology and comes with a built-in subwoofer for maximum sound. It’ll also have a 8MP auto-focus (rear) with flash camera at the back, with a smaller, 1.2 camera at the front.

    The Transformer Prime is reportedly shipping in December and will have a $499 price tag attached to it for the 32GB version and $599 for the 64GB version. Local pricing and availability at this time is unknown as of yet, but if the previous Transformer is any indication, you can expect this little beauty to drop for around Php 25,000 to 30,000.

     

    HTC Edge leaked, dubbed the world’s first quad-core equipped smartphone

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    HTC Edge leaked, dubbed the world’s first quad-core equipped smartphone

    After ASUS revealed that the Transformer Prime would be carrying NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 processor (also known as Kal-El) we knew it wouldn’t be long until a smartphone appeared dragging the superchip in tow. Pocket Now has managed to get leaked pictures and specs of HTC’s supposed next superphone, the Edge, which will supposedly be powered by NVIDIA’s latest and greatest. The HTC Edge will sport a 4.7-inch screen, have 1GB of RAM and more importantly, will have four 1.5GHz cores capable of handling almost anything you can probably throw at it. And since the device is purportedly aimed at a 2012 Q1/Q2 release, then it’s probably safe to say that this particular monster will sport ICS right out of the gate.

    Source: Pocket Now

    Review: LG Optimus 3D

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Review: LG Optimus 3D

    We’ve seen 3D on TVs, theaters, tablets and cameras so it made sense that the tech would finally show up on smartphones. The LG Optimus 3D is one of the two smartphones that we know of that’s here locally that can do glasses-free 3D (the other one being the HTC EVO 3D). But is the allure of mobile 3D enough to get you to drop the money for it, or is it simply a gimmick that you can ignore?

    If there’s one thing you’ll notice with the Optimus 3D right away, it’s the sheer size of it. At 128.8 x 68 x 11.9 mm, this thing is big. Good news is that you’re also getting a large, 4.3-inch 3D LCD capacitive touchscreen that displays images at 480 x 800 resolution. The Optimus 3D isn’t an exercise of grace or sleekness – it’s big, brash and powerful, and makes no apologies for what it is. At the bottom of the generously large screen is where the typical Android navigation keys lie. On the left side sits an HDMI and a USB port while the volume rocker and the dedicated 3D button (where a camera button usually is) sits on the right. The Optimus 3D is capable of capturing stereoscopic 3D pictures via the dual 5-megapixel camera at the back while a smaller front-facing camera facilitates video calls. The power button and the 3.5mm jack are located on the top of the unit. The overall build quality is good, if a little boring.

    LG proudly tells us that the Optimus 3D is powered by their “tri-dual” technology, which, in layman’s terms means that the Optimus 3D has a dual-core processor, dual channel and dual memory. Powering the Optimus 3D is a dual-core, 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor with a PowerVR SGX540 GPU and has 512 MB RAM. Weirdly enough, the Optimus 3D is powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo) and not 2.3 (Gingerbread) like we thought it would, which is a slight blow right off the bat considering most other devices by its competitors have Gingerbread 2.3 right off the gate. Like any self respecting smartphone manufacturer, LG has opted to give the Optimus 3D some of their own apps and tweaks which include one of our favorite apps, Social+.

    Like we said, the main appeal of the Optimus 3D is it’s ability to display 3D images without requiring 3D glasses. It does this via a parralax barrier screen, and while it does allow users to experience 3D without glasses, it has a few drawbacks. One of the major disadvantage of the technology is that parralax barrier screens has a very narrow angle of view, meaning that you pretty much have to be facing the screen dead on to fully experience the 3D effect. Another major disadvantage is that when you use the 3D effect, you’re also using more energy to power the backlight to make all the 3D magic possible, which ultimately leads to a shorter battery life.

    Which doesn’t mean that there isn’t a bunch of things to do in 3D with the Optimus 3D. The Korean manufacturer has graciously loaded up our demo unit with a bunch of 3D content (which incidentally will also show up on retail devices) which include 3 3D games made by Gameloft – Nova, Let’s Golf 2 and Asphalt 6. You’ll also be able to film and capture images in 3D via the stereoscopic cameras located on the back, and view 3D YouTube content.

    Probably the most pertinent question you have by now is whether the 3D effect is worth it. Well, from our experience, it was a mixed bag. The 3D games gave a good sense of depth (especially Nova, which is an FPS affair) and some of our shots using the 3D camera turned out well. Unfortunately, the Optimus 3D runs into the same wall that most 3D TVs we review hit – lack of content. 3D YouTube videos get old fairly quickly, and you’ll soon find out that the biggest source of 3D content is you. It would have been nice if users were able to use the 3D effect all the time, across all the applications we go to, but alas, you’re limited to the 3D space LG’s walled you in. There is hope though – LG themselves have announced the availability of their 3D Game converter to European markets but sadly, it wasn’t present during the Optimus 3D’s stay with us, nor was it available as a separate download on the Android app store.

    Lest we forget, the Optimus 3D is still a smartphone, and to it’s credit, it’s a particularly solid one. The dual-core processor and the solid GPU means that the Optimus 3D is able to handle almost anything you’re able to throw at it. As is customary whenever we review an Android device, we loaded up AnTuTu, a synthetic benchmark that we’ve been using to gauge performance. Unfortunately, according to AnTuTu, the Optimus 3D only scored 5032 which is a ways off from the scores of LG’s fiercest rival, the Samsung Galaxy S II.

    That doesn’t mean that the Optimus 3D is a slouch when it comes to performance, and as we said before, it’s a particularly solid device truth be told. Apps were stable and didn’t hang, calls made to and from it were clear and crisp and we never really experienced annoying slowdowns as a result of constant use.

    Unfortunately, all those nice features built on top of the Optimus 3D means that battery life suffers, a lot. Like a lot, lot. An hour’s worth of 3D anything effectively nukes a quarter or more of the battery, and after a day of moderate use (3D, browsing, texts and calls) the Optimus 3D’s battery was near death at the end of the day.

    So, is it worth dropping your hard earned money on? Well, if you absolutely need to have a 3D capable smartphone, the Optimus 3D is a reasonable, if not your only, choice at least locally (the HTC EVO 3D isn’t being officially sold by HTC locally). Unfortunately battery issues, disappointing benchmark scores and use of Froyo makes us hold off on a solid recommend for now.

     

    What’s Hot:

    Tri-dual tech ( dual-core processor, dual channel and dual memory)

    3D without the goofy glasses

    Big screen

    Comfortable to use and hold

     

    What’s Not:

    Not a lot of 3D content

    Battery hog

     

    Bottomline:

    While the LG Optimus 3D does have its rough spots, it’s a pretty solid device overall. It’s ability to deliver glasses free 3D is a nice feature to have, even though you’re limited to what the device gives you initially and to the content you’re able to create yourself.

     

    Buymeter: 8

     

    Tech Specs:

    • Operating System: Android 2.2 (Froyo)
    • CPU: 1GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor with a PowerVR SGX540 GPU
    • LCD size: 4.3-inch 3D LCD capacitive touchscreen, 480 x 800 resolution
    • Physical Dimensions: 128.8 x 68 x 11.9 mm
    • Weight: 168 g
    • Band: 2G GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, 3G HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100
    • Internal memory: 8 GB storage, expandable through microSD cards

     

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is officially released

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is officially released

    One of the most highly anticipated releases of the year has finally hit shelves, and promises to break sales records, as well as a few egos along the way. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has been reported by Amazon.co.uk as the most pre-ordered game in their history, and several analysts (including the game’s publisher), expect it to sell 6 million units before the years end.

    Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) is the third installment of the series in the popular Call of Duty (COD) line, developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. It’s a first-person shooter (FPS) that places gamers into a modern battle setting from a soldier’s perspective.

    Part of the hype surrounding the game is its open rivalry with another popular war FPS, Battlefield 3 by Electronic Arts, which has been recently released and broke some records of its own. The heated rivalry between the two has been no secret, ironically matching their own gameplay.

    COD: MW3 is available for gaming consoles but special emphasis has been placed on its PC port, according to Robert Bowling, Infinity Ward’s creative strategist. A lot of focus has been placed upon the game’s dedicated server for a smoother multiplayer experience. Surprisingly (and thankfully), the minimum PC requirements aren’t off the charts, which may be a smart move on the developer’s part, allowing a wider net of people to play the game.

    System Requirements:
    Windows XP / Vista / 7
    Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E6600 or AMD Phenom™ X3 8750 processor or better
    2GB RAM, 16 GB HDD free
    Shader 3.0 or better 256 MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8600GT / ATI® Radeon™ X1950 or better
    Direct X 9.0c or later
    Internet for activation and multiplayer connectivity

     

    On hitting the 7 Billion mark

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    On hitting the 7 Billion mark

    While the United Nations asserts that we’ve already hit our 7 billion mark, the US Census Bureau estimates it won’t be until July of next year until we reach that number. Either way, we should know the impact of having that many people on this earth and the effect it has on our limited resources.

    Downloadable for free from iTunes, 7 Billion showcases informative videos, interactive maps, in-depth articles, and stunning photography that aim to highlight and quantify the trends and effects that surround this milestone in human population growth.
    Featured content include the following information on the world population:

    In 2045 there will be 9 billion people
    Every second 5 people are born
    Every second 2 people die
    We’re all living longer: the average Life span is now 69 years old
    By 2050, 70% of us will be living in urban areas
    We have enough space for all these people: 7 billion people could fit shoulder-to-shoulder in the City of Los Angeles
    In 1975 there were three mega-cities (cities with 10 million or more people); today there are 21 mega-cities

    Hands on: HTC Sensation XE

    Gadgets Team
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    4
    Hands on: HTC Sensation XE

    The HTC Sensation XE is set to officially launch this Friday, but we were fortunate enough to be able to get a sample unit today. The Sensation XE is eerily similar to the original Sensation on the outside, and aside from the red accents to the device plus the obvious Beats branding on the back, you’d think that this was a standard Sensation with a very clever skinning job. But while the XE looks similar to the original Sensation on the outside, that’s where the similarities end.

    For starters, the XE has a faster processor that’s a spec bump above the original’s 1.2 GHz dual-core deal. The device also has a better battery which should theoretically last you longer 1730 mAh as opposed to the 1520 mAh found on the original Sensation. HTC’s Sense overlay, that fantastic piece of UI that turns the ho-hum stock Android experience into something fun returns, and is now in version 3.0.

    Another important difference is the inclusion of Beats audio in the overall experience, both in the supplied headphones and the software running on the XE. We weren’t able to do any kind of thorough tests as of yet (as the unit quite literally just arrived in the office) but we can tell you right off the bat that the music is clearer, louder and better than we’ve experienced before.

    That’s it so far for the Sensation XE. We’ll be at the official launch of the device on Friday so make sure to check back then to get the official word on pricing and availability for this bad boy, and we’ll have the complete review for the Sensation XE by next week.

    [album: https://gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/[email protected]/HTC Sensation XE/]

    Experience Electro-Voice Live-X speakers

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Experience Electro-Voice Live-X speakers

    It’s often overlooked at how loudspeakers can make or break an event, whether its a full-on live concert or a corporate shindig. After all, you want to see your guests smiling and not cringing, right? It’s a worthy investment because everyone appreciates great sound.

    With that said, you should check out first-hand what the Live X loudspeakers from Electro-Voice has to offer. You might just hear something you like.

    Clear, powerful and musical, Electro-Voice loudspeakers command the stage at high-profile venues and major events worldwide.  Born stage ready, the Live X series includes powered and passive models that feature professional-grade components in solid wood cabinets.  Wherever performance matters, Live X is SERIOUS GEAR for SERIOUS SOUND.

    See, Hear and Feel the Live X Difference on November 16, 2011 at Republiq Club, Resorts World.  Call EVI Distribution Phils., Inc. at 897.7777 Loc. 886 for seat reservation.

    Affordable motorcycle training now available at Safe-T-Ryders

    Gadgets Magazine
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    2
    Affordable motorcycle training now available at Safe-T-Ryders

    Only motorcycle riders can fully appreciate the joys of riding, and you can experience this only when you have confidence that your riding skills will keep you safe and prepared to face the challenges of the open road.

    This is the philosophy behind Safe-T-Ryders Motorcycle Training Center, which offers basic and enrichment riding courses that will give motorcycle riders a sound foundation to be safer road users. By delivering quality training in a controlled and fun environment, Safe-T-Ryders instructors ensure that trainees learn defensive riding as an enjoyable experience.

    Located at the Ortigas Home Depot along Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City, Safe-T-Ryders offers training programs that are very affordable to average motorcycle users. The basic and enrichment courses, which include theory inputs and practical riding exercises, are priced at only P750 for each two-day program. For those who want to refresh their knowledge about riding safety, there is also a three-hour lecture for only P200.

    Novice riders who want to have a good start will benefit from the Basic Safety Riding Course, a comprehensive introductory program that emphasizes a safety-oriented mindset. The lecture inputs cover (a) respect for traffic rules; (b) consequences of accidents; (c) road usage principles; (d) stopping and following distance; (e) mirrors, signals and blind spots; (f) right of way rules; (g) alcohol and fatigue; and (h) qualities of a good rider. The practical training includes (a) physical exercise, preparation and check-up; (b) riding position; (c) basic operations for moving, stopping and gear-shifting; (d) practice running S-curve and Figure-8; (e) cornering and speed control; and (f) slalom.

    For more experienced riders who want to enhance their riding skills, Safe-T-Ryders has two levels of Enrichment Riding Courses. Designed as fast-track programs, these enrichment courses tackle more advanced topics on how to handle difficult road conditions, anticipate risks and avoid accidents. The lecture contents consist of (a) motorcycle inspection; (b) behaviour of various road users; (c) lane changing and overtaking; (d) defensive riding; (e) turning of long wheel base vehicles; and (f) risk forecasting. The practical training covers higher-level riding skills such as (a) balancing and low speed control; (b) blind spot, turning and lane-changing; (c) braking in different conditions; (d) deceleration after acceleration; and (e) vehicle handling with backrider.

    Safe-T-Ryders is established by Arnel Doria, a respected marketing executive who played a key role in establishing Honda as a leading car brand in the Philippines and was instrumental in setting up the country’s first integrated vehicle training center, the Honda Safety Driving Center.

    The center manager is Julius Ballesteros, a TESDA-certified instructor, who has just returned from a two-year stint as a safety driving instructor of a large Saudi Arabian company. He is assisted by Sulfikar Guiabel, an experienced LTO-accredited riding/driving instructor.

    Those who wish to enrol in any of the Safe-T-Ryder courses may call 208-8035 or (932) 872-3389.

    Atari gives Android and iOS a massive dose of nostalgia via their Greatest Hits app

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Atari gives Android and iOS a massive dose of nostalgia via their Greatest Hits app

    There was a point in time where video games where simple, addictive and more importantly, fun. None of that killstreak or headshot nonsense, either – it was just you and a fistload of change against a metric crapload of meteors, and that FUK guy that keeps getting the hi-score. Well, you can now relive that simpler time in gaming by downloading Atari’s Greatest Hits, a collection of 100 classic Atari games now playable on your iOS or Android device. Android folks can score all 100 games for $9.99, or if you’re more interested in playing just a few gems from this collection, you can opt to pay $0.99 bucks a piece. iOS users can hit up this link while Android folks can go here to get their retro gaming on.

    Panasonic outs rugged Toughpad tablets, goes where other tablets fear to tread

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Panasonic outs rugged Toughpad tablets, goes where other tablets fear to tread

    Panasonic has made a name of themselves for making insanely tough, ruggedized notebooks and it makes sense that they’d want to bring that particular brand of near-indestructibility to tablets. Their new Toughpad line of tablets, the A1 and B1, brings familiar Honeycomb sensibilities in ruggedized 10.1- and 7-inch flavors respectively. Both devices are certified MIL-STD-810G, which basically means they’ve gone through the same rigorous testing that most devices used by the DoD (Department of Defense) go through. Inside, you’ll find a dual core processor – 1.2 GHz with embedded hardware security powering everything, and about 16GB of storage on tap, which can be increased through the use of microSD cards. Engadget says that the A1 will have a hefty $1,299 SRP, which means it’ll retail for Php 58,000 (give or take). At those prices some of you might just consider placing your tablets in Ziploc bags instead.

    [album: https://gadgetsmagazine.com.ph/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/[email protected]/Panasonic_Tough/]

    Via: Engadget

    Source: Panasonic

    Are you battle ready? Gainward gives owners a chance to win gamer schwag

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Are you battle ready? Gainward gives owners a chance to win gamer schwag

    There’s nothing better than playing the latest games (*wink* Battlefield 3 *wink*) with the latest hardware, and Gainward is giving its loyal customers a chance to upgrade their GPU for free with some excellent extras. Rules are simple enough – you just need to go to this link and register your Gainward branded GPU and you stand to win a Gainward GTX 560 TI, GTX 550 TI and a sweet Razer Imperator Battlefield 3 edition mouse. Again, you’ll need to register here, and if you need some clarification about the rules, you can go here.

     

    GameChanger allows your iPad to bring people together

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    GameChanger allows your iPad to bring people together

    Though I just recently (yes, like a few days ago recently) discovered how addicting Angry Birds can be (I was forced to learn and play the game on my iPod Touch in an initial attempt to look busy lest I be forced to engage in small talk, but that’s not the point), I still find the alienating way it keeps one busy and engaged a bit perplexing. Even when I was told to get an iPad to take my newfangled addiction to a whole new and much wider level, I still found that it made me less social than I’m comfortable with.

    But now you can share the fun (and justify getting an iPad not just for some solo game-play) with the GameChanger. Developed by Identity Games, the GameChanger allows people of all ages to engage in a board game that can get everyone involved. Just slide the iPad into the board’s dock, touch the board, and the screen communicates with 48 pressure fields transforming your iPad into a living game board. Two games come installed with the app, Animal Mania and Magic Schoolbus.

    HP giving webOS devs a chance to get the TouchPad at 150 bucks each

    Gadgets Team
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    1
    HP giving webOS devs a chance to get the TouchPad at 150 bucks each

    Missed HP’s firesale of their ill fated tablet, the TouchPad? Are you interested in developing apps for webOS and are located in the US, Canada or Europe? Well, have we got news for you. HP is giving webOS devs a chance to grab the device cheap in the hopes that it’ll invigorate app development for the fledgling OS. If you meet all of HP’s criteria (registered webOS developer in the US, Canada or Europe) you’ll be able to grab the TouchPad at almost-firesale prices of $150 (€150 if you’re in Europe). Don’t think you can buy truckloads of TouchPads for eventual resale though – HP has placed a 2 device limit on each purchase, so that everyone will have a chance to grab one. Well, almost everyone, we hope.

    Source: HP

    HTC Sensation, Sensation XE and XL getting Ice Cream Sandwich loving in early 2012

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    HTC Sensation, Sensation XE and XL getting Ice Cream Sandwich loving in early 2012

    Good news for people who have been fretting if their HTC devices would get Google’s newest version of Android, Ice Cream Sandwich. HTC has just made an announcement in their Facebook page that a number of hi-end devices which include the HTC Sensation and soon to be locally launched Sensation XE and XL will be getting ICS love come next year. HTC hasn’t pegged an exact date though, and settling for early 2012 instead, so you will have to wait a little while longer before you can enjoy some face-unlocking of your own.

    Source: HTC (Facebook)

    Meet the new Panasonic Lumix GX1 and 3D1

    Gadgets Team
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    0
    Meet the new Panasonic Lumix GX1 and 3D1

    Lumix lovers have another reason to start saving up their money, as Panasonic unveils the new GX1 and 3D1, two highly anticipated releases for those who have built an affinity with this powerful and compact line of cameras.

    Panasonic is calling the GX1 the “ideal everyday camera”, featuring a 16.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and is packing the Venus Engine that we’ve already seen embedded in other models in the Lumix series. It has a maximum ISO of 12800, but also comes with a built-in flash and a hotshoe. The GX1 has a 3-inch LCD touch screen and features Panasonic’s Pinpoint AF, which allows you to touch an area on the display and have it focus and take the shot instantly, and also allows you to manually change focus when shooting video. If the GX1 is used with one of the Lumix X Power Zoom lenses, users can zoom in by touch, which could be pretty handy.

     

    Of course, AF is the Lumix’s strongest suit, and the GX1 has Light Speed AF at 0.09 seconds, along with a new AF Flexible (AFF) mode which locks a subject in focus when the shutter is pressed down halfway. It has a nice ergonomic grip on the side, which we earlier stated should’ve been put on the G3. Video recording is at 1920×1080/60i with sensor output of 30p, either in AVCHD or MP4. Oh and it also features the other familiar traits of the Lumix line, such as iA and iA+ modes.

    Things get a little bit more interesting with the Lumix 3D1, which features a 3.5-inch Smart Touch screen and a unique “twin-lens” design, which allows for independent and simultaneous dual-shooting capabilities. It’s packing 25mm lenses with 4x optical zoom, which can shoot photo or video in different angles at the same time, thanks to its separate mechanisms for capturing. So essentially, you can shoot a group shot with one lens and focus in on a person with the other. Users can shoot in either 2D or 3D, and fortunately there’s a physical switch to interchange between modes. The 3D1 can shoot 8MP 3D photos and 1920×1080 60i 3D HD video via the “side-by-side” method. If you want to shoot 2D, it stacks a little higher at 12MP and records 1020x1080i full HD.

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